Bodies vs Figures

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Bodies

Top 1,000 (very common)

Figures

Top 1,000 (very common)

	Bodies	Figures
Pronunciation	🇬🇧 //ˈbɒdiz// 🇺🇸 //ˈbɑːdiz//	🇬🇧 //ˈfɪɡəz// 🇺🇸 //ˈfɪɡjɚz//
Meaning	Physical structures of living things.	Numbers or shapes used to represent something.
Example	The bodies of the students gathered in the classroom.	The figures in the report show a significant increase in sales.
Register	Neutral	Neutral
How common	Top 1,000 (very common)	Top 1,000 (very common)
Collocations	human bodies, dead bodies, bodies of water, bodies in motion, bodies at rest	financial figures, statistical figures, artistic figures, geometric figures, important figures
Antonyms	minds, spirits	facts, reality
Common mistakes	Confusing 'body' (singular) with 'bodies' (plural)., Using 'bodies' when referring to an individual body., Mispronouncing the word due to unfamiliarity.	Confused with 'figures' as in 'people' vs. numerical 'figures'., Using 'figure' incorrectly when referencing plural contexts., Mixing up 'figures' in mathematical and artistic contexts.
Usage notes	Used in both formal and informal contexts. Be cautious with anatomy discussions; avoid in casual settings. 'Bodies' can refer to humans or animals.	Use 'figures' in both formal and informal contexts when discussing numbers or physical shapes. In statistical or academic discussions, it's common. Avoid using in overly casual settings.

See it in real clips

Peaky Blinders › S1 E1

Bodies thrown in the rivers wash up in the papers here.

Bodies

Well, the figures

Agatha Christies Poirot › S1 E1

Yes, yes, he does very well with figures.

But we've got to figure something out or the people on Earth are gonna die. Think!

Well, the figures

Agatha Christies Poirot › S1 E1

Yes, yes, he does very well with figures.

Figures

Frequently asked questions: Bodies vs Figures

What's the difference between Bodies and Figures?

Bodies: Physical structures of living things. Figures: Numbers or shapes used to represent something.

Can you show an example of each?

Bodies: The bodies of the students gathered in the classroom. Figures: The figures in the report show a significant increase in sales.

Can I use Bodies and Figures interchangeably?

Not always. Bodies and Figures are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.